IMDb >
Pay It Forward (2000)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsPay It Forward (2000) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 30 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 6) |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
20 October 2000 (USA)
more
Tagline:
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded. more
Plot:
A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Teacher
|
Young Boy
|
Good Deed
|
Alcoholism
|
Exotic Dancer
more
Awards:
1 win
&
3 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(22 articles)
Jon Bon Jovi 'rules out return to acting'
(From digitalspy. 10 November 2009, 4:48 PM, PST)
Jon Bon Jovi: 'I don't like Hollywood'
(From digitalspy. 23 October 2009, 11:16 PM, PDT)
(From digitalspy. 10 November 2009, 4:48 PM, PST)
Jon Bon Jovi: 'I don't like Hollywood'
(From digitalspy. 23 October 2009, 11:16 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
What movies are supposed to be
more (627 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Kevin Spacey | ... | Eugene Simonet | |
| Helen Hunt | ... | Arlene McKinney | |
| Haley Joel Osment | ... | Trevor McKinney | |
| Jay Mohr | ... | Chris Chandler | |
| James Caviezel | ... | Jerry | |
| Jon Bon Jovi | ... | Ricky McKinney | |
| Angie Dickinson | ... | Grace | |
| David Ramsey | ... | Sidney Parker | |
| Gary Werntz | ... | Mr. Thorsen | |
| Colleen Flynn | ... | Woman on Bridge | |
| Marc Donato | ... | Adam | |
| Kathleen Wilhoite | ... | Bonnie | |
| Liza Snyder | ... | Michelle | |
| Jeannetta Arnette | ... | Nurse | |
| Hannah Werntz | ... | Thorsen's Daughter |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements including substance abuse/recovery, some sexual situations, language and brief violence
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
123 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:10 |
Malaysia:U |
Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) |
Canada:14A (Manitoba) |
Canada:G (Quebec) |
Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Ontario) |
South Korea:12 |
Philippines:PG-13 |
Argentina:13 |
Australia:M |
Chile:14 |
Denmark:11 |
Finland:K-11 |
France:U |
Germany:12 (w) |
Hong Kong:IIA |
Netherlands:12 |
New Zealand:M |
Norway:11 |
Peru:14 |
Portugal:M/12 |
Singapore:PG |
Spain:T |
Sweden:11 |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) |
UK:12 |
USA:PG-13
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Several pieces of promotional material (including some press kits) mistakenly referred to Kevin Spacey's character as Reuben Simone.
more
Goofs:
Continuity: As Chris Chandler is driving to Las Vegas, we can see a truck approaching on the road behind a road curve - but then the camera changes angles. The truck is gone and so is the curve.
more
Quotes:
Thorsen:
I thanked him and there were some very specific orifices in which I was told to shove my thanks. He told me, "Just pay it forward." Three big favors for three other people. That's it.
Chris: So it's like a pass-it-on thing, then. Wait a minute. You and this lowlife are in this chain of do-gooders, some kind of Mother Theresa conga line? That's a little New-Agey for you, isn't it? Sort of Tibetan? What, are you in a cult?
Thorsen: If you mention my name, you'll be selling your kidneys to pay for your lawsuit. Cult.
[...]
more
Chris: So it's like a pass-it-on thing, then. Wait a minute. You and this lowlife are in this chain of do-gooders, some kind of Mother Theresa conga line? That's a little New-Agey for you, isn't it? Sort of Tibetan? What, are you in a cult?
Thorsen: If you mention my name, you'll be selling your kidneys to pay for your lawsuit. Cult.
[...]
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "The Red Green Show: Pay It Forward (#13.9)" (2004)
more
Soundtrack:
Behind Every Good Woman
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (627 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Pay It Forward (2000) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Mean Creek | The Kite Runner | Sideways | Notes on a Scandal | Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |













Pay It Forward is a prime example of what films are supposed to do: make you laugh a little, cry a lot, and profoundly affect you in a way that keeps you thinking about the movie for weeks afterwards. I saw it at a special preview screening and was blown away. My friends and I sat through the entire credits because we were so taken by what we had seen. Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and the phenomonal Haley Joel Osment once again give performances worthy of Oscars. I only hope there isn't some "retaliation" of sorts because of their previous wins and nominations because they deserve it again this year. But the big winner here is director Mimi Leder who has moved from action films into great cinema. She demonstrates the fine tuned skills she showed while directing ER. As I sat there, one eye kept a close watch of the story while the other marveled at the beautiful direction of every scene. They have my vote for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actress, and Screenplay. Awe-inspiring!!!!